QUALITATIVE CHANGES IN RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS HOOP THROWS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF BIOMECHANICAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

Throws and catches in rhythmic gymnastics represent one of the fundamental groups of apparatus actuation. They represent for the hoop actions of great showmanship, but also elements of risk. The purpose of this paper is to improve the throw execution technique through biomechanical analysis in order to increase the performance of female gymnasts in competitions. The subjects of this study were 8 gymnasts aged 9-10 years old, practiced performance Rhythmic Gymnastics. The experiment consisted in video recording and the biomechanical analysis of the element “Hoop throw, step jump and catch”. After processing the video recordings using the Simi Motion software, we have calculated and obtained values concerning: launch height, horizontal distance and throwing angle between the arm and the horizontal. Pursuant to the data obtained, we have designed a series of means to improve the execution technique for the elements comprised within the research and we have implemented them in the training process. Regarding the interpretation of the results, it may be highlighted as follows: height and horizontal distance in this element have values of the correlation coefficient of 0.438 and 0.323, thus a mean significance of 0.005. The values of the arm/horizontal angle have improved for all the gymnasts, the correlation coefficient being 0.931, with a significance of 0.01. As a general conclusion, after the results obtained, it may be stated that the means introduced in the experiment have proven their efficacy, which has led to the optimisation of the execution technique, thus confirming the research hypothesis.